Santa Monica College Faces Hiring Freeze and Layoffs

Budget deficit leads to staffing cuts at long-standing community college

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Santa Monica College, a community college with roots dating back to 1929, is facing a $16.7 million budget deficit that has forced the school to implement a hiring freeze and plan for nearly 70 employee layoffs. The budget shortfall is attributed to discontinued state funding and the economic impacts of the pandemic, even as the college continues to receive grants for new programs.

Why it matters

As a long-standing educational institution in the Santa Monica community, the budget challenges at SMC reflect the broader financial pressures facing many public colleges and universities. The proposed layoffs could disrupt educational services and impact the local economy, raising concerns about the college's ability to fulfill its mission of serving the community.

The details

The Santa Monica Board of Trustees met on February 3 to discuss the $16.7 million budget deficit that SMC is operating under. In response, the college has implemented a hiring freeze, with the exception of positions deemed essential, and plans to lay off close to 70 employees. The budget shortfall is attributed to discontinued state funding and the economic impacts of the pandemic, even as SMC continues to receive grants for new programs, including a $200,000 grant from the CA Learning Labs' Ai FAST Challenge and a $355,000 grant from United Way to support a new certificate program for homeless service workers.

  • On February 3, 2026, the Santa Monica Board of Trustees met to discuss the budget deficit.
  • SMC has had a hiring freeze in place since last year due to the ongoing budget deficit and decline in revenue.

The players

Grace A. Smith

Director of Public Information at Santa Monica College.

Kathryne E. Jeffrey

President-Superintendent of Santa Monica College.

Elise Buik

President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

Gavin Newsom

Governor of California.

Santa Monica College

A community college in Santa Monica, California with roots dating back to 1929.

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What they’re saying

“Yes, there has been a hiring freeze except for positions deemed essential to fulfill a vital function since last year, due to an ongoing large structural deficit and a decline in revenue. Enrollment and many other factors including volatility in the state funding.”

— Grace A. Smith, Director of Public Information (Canyon News)

“The demand for trained professionals has never been greater. As we prepare to welcome our second cohort in February, this funding allows us to do what our community needs most, prepare a skilled, compassionate workforce to support individuals experiencing homelessness. Our students and faculty are answering that call with heart, purpose and dedication.”

— Kathryne E. Jeffrey, President-Superintendent (Canyon News)

“Helping our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness requires a caring compassionate, and well-trained workforce. Investing in Santa Monica College's Homeless Service Work Certificate is an opportunity to invest in training a vital workforce but also to invest in solutions form homelessness. This program will equip sector professionals with the skills, training and support they need to transform community care into lasting solutions. This is how we strengthen systems, uplift people, and create a Los Angeles where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.”

— Elise Buik, President and CEO (Canyon News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.